Debra L. Moreau, Ph.D.

Image Debra Moreau
Research Scientist

Debra Moreau is an entomologist with an applied research program that focuses on the identification, biology, and integrated pest management of emerging and invasive insect pests and vectors of economically important plant diseases, such as viruses, small fruit. At the present time, the lab is using conventional and newer technologies that include molecular tools for species identification and virus testing, and GIS/remote sensing for mapping landscapes.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
32 Main Street, Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1J5

Current research and/or projects

  • Short and long-term impact of grapevine viruses on vine performance and fruit quality, with a focus on hybrids
  • Distribution, impact and management of Phylloxera and key emerging and invasive vineyard pests
  • Collaboration and co-location of a Plant Health Lab with Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc.
  • Strategies for spotted wing drosophila pest management
  • Using a biovigilance approach to address long-term pest management challenges in agriculture
  • Understanding key economic insect pests and natural enemies in commercial long-cane raspberry.

Research and/or project statements

Research program focuses on the identification, biology, and integrated pest management of emerging and invasive insect pests and vectors of economically important plant diseases, such as viruses, small fruit. At the present time, the lab is using conventional and newer technologies that include molecular tools for species identification and virus testing, and GIS/remote sensing for mapping landscapes.

Professional activities / interests

  • Co-Lead of the Coastal Biovigilance Network
  • Coastal Biovigilance Network representative on the National Biovigilance Working Group
  • Co-Chair of AAFC Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (WiSTEM) Network
  • Member of GoC National Women's Committee Network Steering Committee
  • AAFC Representative on the Canadian Working Group on Insect Pests of Berry Crops, supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Pesticide Risk Reduction Program
  • Member of the Grape Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia and Best Management Practices Committee
  • Member of the Wine and Grape Research and Development Committee of the Nova Scotia Wine Development Board.

Education and awards

1996 - BSc (Honours in Biology) Acadia University (Wolfville, NS)

1999 - MSc (Biology) Acadia University (Wolfville, NS)

2006 - PhD (Biology) Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS)

2015 - Research efforts on strawberry decline were recognized through the passing of Resolution No. 2074 in the 62nd General Assembly of the Nova Scotia Legislature on May 11, 2015, by the Honourable Keith Colwell.

Key publications

  1. M. Franklin, T. Nelson, Y. Uriel, P. K. Abram, C. E. Moffat, D. Moreau, J. Renkema (2022). Spatially distinct genotypes of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii in Canada. 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the ESA, ESC, and ESBC. Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 13-16, 2022 (Oral presentation).

    2022 - View publication details

  2. Makela, K., et al. (2021). Biovigilance: A Modern Approach to Plant Pest Management (Vision Statement), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Science and Technology Branch: 29 pp.

    2021 - View publication details

  3. Gillis, J., Bezanson, G.S., and Moreau, D.L. (2012). "Association of E. coli with various insect species emerging from the Thomas brook watershed.", AAFC-WEBS Thomas Brook Technical Workshop, Kentville, NS, Canada, October 17, 2012. (Presentation)

    2012 - View publication details

  4. Moreau, D.L. and Foster, L.J. (2012). Spotted wing drosophila: An update for Nova Scotia. - 148th Annual Report 2011 Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association ( pp. 144-147). (Report)

    2012 - View publication details

  5. Song, J., Forney, C.F., Moreau, D.L., Jordan, M.A., Fillmore, S.A.E., and Munro, K.D. (2010). "Effect of fruit maturity and cutting on the respiration and volatile production of apple fruit.", 28th International Horticultural Congress (IHC2010): Postharvest technology in global market, Lisboa Congress Centre, Lisbon, Portugal, August 22-27, 2010. (Poster)

    2010 - View publication details

  6. Borza, A.D., Annan, N.T., Moreau, D.L., Allan-Wojtas, P., Ghanem, A., Rousseau, D., Paulson, A.T., and Truelstrup Hansen, L. (2010). "Microencapsulation in genipin cross-linked gelatine-maltodextrin improves survival of Bifidobacterium adolescentis during exposure to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions.", Journal of Microencapsulation, 27(5), pp. 387-399.

    2010 - View publication details

  7. Fan, L., Moreau, D.L., Allan-Wojtas, P., Doucette, C., Fillmore, S.A.E., and Walker, B.A. (2009). "Enumeration of lactic acid bacteria and evaluation of shelf life of a new type of yogurt’.", 9th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA, USA, June 6-9, 2009.

    2009 - View publication details

  8. Allan-Wojtas, P., Forney, C.F., Moyls, A.L., and Moreau, D.L. (2008). "Structure and gas transmission characteristics of microperforations in plastic films.", Packaging Technology and Science, 21, pp. 217-229.

    2008 - View publication details

  9. Fan, L., Moreau, D.L., Doucette, C., Fillmore, S.A.E., and Walker, B.A. (2008). "Fate of lactic acid bacteria in a new type of yogurt.", 2008 Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology (CIFST) and AAFC Conference, Delta Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, May 25-27, 2008, pp. 66. (Abstract)

    2008 - View publication details

  10. Annan, N.T., Borza, A.D., Moreau, D.L., Allan-Wojtas, P., and Truelstrup Hansen, L. (2007). "Effect of process variables on particle size and viability of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 in genipin-gelatin microspheres.", Journal of Microencapsulation, 24(2), pp. 152-162.

    2007 - View publication details

  11. Fan, L., Song, J., Moreau, D.L., Allan-Wojtas, P., Doucette, C., and Campbell-Palmer, L. (2007). "Hexanal Vapor Inhibits Fungal Growth and Controls Postharvest Fruit Decay.", HortScience, 42(4), pp. 870. (Abstract)

    2007 - View publication details

  12. Moreau, D.L. (2006). Aspects of fungal pathogenesis in Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Heteroptera, Miridae). Ph.D. Thesis., Canada: Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.

    2006 - View publication details

  13. Hardman, J.M., Franklin, J.L., Jensen, K.I.N., and Moreau, D.L. (2006). "Effects of pesticides on mite predators (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and colonization of apple trees by Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae).", Phytoparasitica, 34, pp. 449-462.

    2006 - View publication details

  14. Moreau, D.L., Fan, L., Allan-Wojtas, P., Song, J., Doucette, C., and Campbell-Palmer, L. (2006). "Effect of hexanal vapor on spore viability of postharvest pathogens and fruit decay.", 10th Annual Federal Food Safety and Nutrition Research Meeting (FFSNRM): 10 Years of Fostering Research Integration and Collaboration, Ottawa, ON, Canada, October 11-12, 2006, pp. 124. (Abstract)

    2006 - View publication details

  15. Hardman, J.M., Franklin, J.L., Jensen, K.I.N., and Moreau, D.L. (2006). "Effects of pesticides on mite predators (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and colonization of apple trees by Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae).", Phytoparasitica, 34, pp. 449-462.

    2006 - View publication details

  16. Hardman, J.M., Jensen, K.I.N., Franklin, J.L., and Moreau, D.L. (2005). "Effects of dispersal, predators (Acari: Phytoseiidae), weather, and ground cover treatments on populations of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in apple orchards.", Journal of Economic Entomology, 98, pp. 862-874.

    2005 - View publication details

  17. Hardman, J.M., Jensen, K.I.N., Franklin, J.L., and Moreau, D.L. (2005). "Effects of dispersal, predators (Acari: Phytoseiidae), weather and ground cover treatments on populations of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in apple orchards.", Journal of Economic Entomology, 98(3), pp. 862-874.

    2005 - View publication details

  18. Hardman, J.M., Jensen, K.I.N., Moreau, D.L., Franklin, J.L., and Bent, E. (2004). "Effects of ground cover treatments and insecticide use on population density and damage caused by Lygus lineolaris (Heteroptera : Miridae) in apple orchards.", Journal of Economic Entomology, 97(3), pp. 993-1002.

    2004 - View publication details

  19. Hardman, J.M., Franklin, J.L., Moreau, D.L., and Bostanian, N.J. (2003). "An index for selective toxicity of miticides to phytophagous mites and their predators based on orchard trials.", Pest Management Science, 59(12), pp. 1321-1332.

    2003 - View publication details

  20. Hardman, J.M., Franklin, J.L., Moreau, D.L., and Bostanian, N.J. (2003). "An index for selective toxicity of miticides to phytophagous mites and their predators based on orchard trials.", Pest Management Science, 59, pp. 1321-1332.

    2003 - View publication details

Contact

Research facility

Kentville Research and Development Centre
32 Main Street
Kentville, NS B4N 1J5
Canada

Expertise

Agriculture›Pest management›Integrated pest management – small fruits

Affiliations

  • Member of the Entomological Society of Canada
  • Member of the Acadian Entomological Society
  • Member of the Entomological Society of America

 

Language

English